Car-chase driver had cocaine in his sock

Andrew Phelan
– 16 November 2012 04:00 PM

A FORMER council depot manager who led gardai on a car chase through a housing estate, forcing one officer to jump to safety, was told he was lucky he was not charged with attempted murder, a court heard.

Sean Campbell (31) had cocaine in his sock when he led the gardai through three pursuits in succession as they tried to stop his dangerous driving.

Campbell, of Mellowes Road, Finglas, was jailed for five months.

He had initially been given a suspended sentence, but Judge Hugh O'Donnell activated it after Campbell was convicted of another offence.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Hansfield Road, Anally Grove and Allendale Estate, Littlepace, on April 30, 2011.

Pursuit

He also admitted failing to stop for a garda and possession of cocaine. Sgt Mary Doherty told Blanchardstown District Court gardai were on patrol when they saw the defendant driving on the wrong side of the road.

They signalled him to stop and he drove off. He was eventually apprehended and arrested and €80 worth of cocaine was found in his sock. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.